CLOSED ON MARCH 31, 2023

Thank you to all applicants. You can expect to receive updates via email regarding your application status between the end of April and mid-May. QUESTIONS? Contact Chrissy Erb, Director, Essex Development Initiative, at 443-317-8763 x102 or chrisy.erb@chesapeakechamber.org.

Essex Security Camera Program

This grant provides incentives for businesses/non-profits in the Essex Commercial Revitalization District and the Essex Sustainable Community boundaries to install security camera systems on the exterior of their property in an effort to deter crime and assist law enforcement with investigations. This program is funded by a Commercial Revitalization Action Grant through Baltimore County’s Department of Planning and a Community Safety Works Grant through Maryland's Department of Housing and Community Development. 

Click HERE to apply on-line.

En ESPANOL.

Eligibility

• Owners of commercial/retail properties located in the Essex Commercial Revitalization District and/or Essex Sustainable Community boundaries (see Maps below).
• Businesses/Non-profits leasing space in commercial/retail properties located in the Essex Commercial Revitalization District and/or Essex Sustainable Community boundaries.

Maps

Requirements

• All participants must submit an application to and receive approval from the Security Camera Committee before installation occurs.
• All participants are required to sign an Agreement providing law enforcement with access to their video footage.
• All security camera systems shall operate 24 hours per day/7 days per week.
• Video footage must be retained for a minimum of 30 days.
• Applicants who are tenants (as opposed to property owners) must provide a Letter of Permission from the property owner approving the installation of the security camera system.

Conformance

• All applicants acknowledge that they will not use the security camera for any unlawful or harassing purposes.
• All applicants must comply with applicable Baltimore County building and electrical code requirements.
• Any breach of the signed Agreement will result in full reimbursement of grant by the applicant to the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce.

Grant Amount

Applicants working with a security camera installation company selected by the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce will receive funding for all approved camera systems, including camera(s), wiring, and installation costs. There are no storage fees affiliated with these systems, as all footage is stored onsite; however, applicants may want to purchase a computer screen for viewing activity/footage. Applicants are responsible for repairing any cosmetic damage that may occur during installation.

The determination as to whether the proposed use of funds by any applicant is eligible for funds from this grant shall be determined by the Security Camera Committee in its sole judgement, based upon applicable criteria, and is not eligible for appeal. In rare instances, the funding amount may exceed the advertised limit if a strong case can be made for an exception.

Application Review

Upon receipt of application by the Security Camera Committee, the review process will begin. Applicants should expect to be notified regarding acceptance/rejection of their application within eight (8) weeks of the application deadline. Submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may result in ineligibility. As part of the application process, a technician from a security camera installation company may visit your business to conduct a site survey. Please read all grant terms, application form, instructions, and process before starting and submitting your application.

CLOSED ON MARCH 31, 2023

Thank you to all applicants. You can expect to receive updates via email regarding your application status by mid-May. QUESTIONS? Contact Chrissy Erb, Director, Essex Development Initiative, at 443-317-8763 x102 or chrisy.erb@chesapeakechamber.org.

Essex Façade Improvement Grant

This grant aims to stimulate investment in improvements to building frontages in the Essex Commercial District and Essex Sustainable Community boundaries, to improve the economic vitality of the area. The goal is to create an attractive and inviting commercial/retail area that encourages regular use by residents and visitors. This grant is funded by a Community Legacy Grant from Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development. 

Click HERE to apply on-line.

En ESPANOL.

Eligibility

• Owners of commercial/retail properties located in Essex Commercial Revitalization District and/or Essex Sustainable Community boundaries (see Maps below).
• Business owners/Non-profits leasing space in commercial/retail properties located in the Essex Commercial Revitalization District and/or Essex Sustainable Community boundaries
• Only one Essex Façade Improvement Grant can be awarded per business/non-profit location per year.
• Our funding source prevents us from supporting projects for the following types of businesses: pawn shops, gun shops, tanning salons, massage parlors, adult video/book shops, adult entertainment facilities, check cashing facilities, gambling facilities, tattoo parlors, and liquor stores.

Requirements

• Applicants must be licensed/registered to do business in the State of Maryland and be in good standing.
• Applicants who are tenants (as opposed to property owners) must provide a Letter of Permission from the property owner approving the application/plans.
• Funds must be used for exterior improvements only.
• Work must be done on street elevations visible from public right-of-ways.
• Funding is provided through partial reimbursement to applicants and direct payments to contractors who are completing improvements on an approved property/building.

Conformance

• All improvements must conform to the Baltimore County building codes, zoning regulations, and/or public accessibility requirements, and to criteria developed for this program.
• All development plans for Essex also must be submitted, reviewed, and approved by Baltimore County’s Design Review Panel.
• All appropriate permits and other approvals must be obtained by the applicant prior to and throughout the construction process.
• All work must be completed by licensed and insured professionals.

Grant Amount

The Essex Façade Improvement Grant provides funding to cover up to $10,000 in costs per business/non-profit location for approved exterior renovations. Funds are limited and must be utilized quickly. As such, funding will be prioritized for “shovel ready” projects and those which are fully funded with the help of this grant. In rare instances, the funding amount may exceed the advertised limit if a strong case can be made for an exception.

The determination as to whether the proposed use of funds by any applicant is eligible for funds from this grant shall be determined by the Façade Improvement Committee in its sole judgement, based upon applicable criteria, and is not appealable. The following constitutes examples of generally eligible and ineligible funds, though the Committee retains the right to determine otherwise based upon the facts of a given application.

Examples of Eligible Improvements

• Architectural services for façade improvement
• Exterior wall finishes to include paint, tile, stucco, and masonry work
• Exterior doors and windows
• Landscaping not covered through other funding sources
• Lighting, signage, canopies, and awnings that are attached to the exterior of the building
• Repairs to front porch or deck including handrails, banisters, and/or support columns
• Replacement or repair of exterior siding, shutters, fencing, and/or retaining walls that can be seen from the public right-of-way
• Replacement or repair of walkways or paths leading to the front of the property (not including public sidewalks)
• Baltimore County construction permit fees
• Improvements to front display windows may be applicable, determined on a case-by-case basis
• Improvements must be capital improvements (i.e. – they must be attached to the property so as not to be removed)

Interior renovations and improvements considered normal building maintenance (foundations, roofing, HVAC, plumbing, mechanical equipment, security bars, parking lot or driveway paving/ striping/ lighting) are not eligible for funding through this program. For questions regarding what projects are eligible for funding, please contact Chrissy Erb, Director, Essex Development Initiative, Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce.

Application Review

Upon receipt of application by the Façade Improvement Committee, the review process will begin. Applicants should expect to be notified regarding acceptance/rejection of their application within eight (8) weeks of the Application Deadline. Applications will be accepted until all funds are committed. Submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may result in ineligibility. Please read all grant terms, application form, instructions, and process before starting and submitting your application.